Perforated Tab Trim Fixing for Glazing Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing glazing trim fixing methods are not sufficiently reliable, especially when space between the glazing and adjacent bodywork is limited, leading to easy disassembly of the trim from the glazing even when the glazing is fixed to the vehicle body.

Innovation Solution

A trim with a perforated tab that passes through a hole in the profiled bead and is folded under the joint portion, providing a secure and removable fixation without intermediate fixing elements, utilizing a single piece of metal with the tab and wing integral to the hubcap for enhanced holding capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a retention element is introduced into a hole in the profiled bead to fix the trim, then the trim can be attached without intermediate clips, but the fixing is not sufficiently reliable and the trim can be easily removed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing mechanism complexityVSAvoidtrim fixing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retention element is designed to be folded in the opposite direction to its insertion direction. The tab is inserted through the hole in the profiled bead and then folded back underneath the trim or glazing, creating a secure mechanical lock that prevents removal while maintaining simple installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The retention element transitions from a flexible state during insertion to a fixed locked position after folding. The element can be easily inserted in one direction but requires significant force to remove, providing reliable fixing while maintaining ease of installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple retention elements are provided to improve fixing reliability, then the trim can be more securely attached, but the installation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrim fixing reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The retention system is divided into multiple discrete tabs distributed along the trim length. Each tab independently secures a section of the trim, providing cumulative reliability while allowing incremental installation. The segmented design enables parallel installation of multiple tabs without increasing overall installation time significantly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of moving object

If the perforated tab is folded under the profiled bead to minimize bulk, then space constraints are satisfied, but the holding capacity must be sufficient to prevent trim disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetab bulkVSAvoidholding capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The retention mechanism utilizes the third dimension by folding the tab underneath the trim or glazing rather than extending it laterally. This vertical dimension provides secure anchoring while minimizing the horizontal bulk, satisfying tight space constraints between the glazing and vehicle bodywork

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enables simple, rapid, and reliable fixation of the trim to the glazing, ensuring it remains in place as long as the glazing is fixed to the vehicle body, even in configurations with restricted space, by minimizing bulk and using a design that integrates the perforated tab and wing for improved holding strength.

Implementation Method 1

said perforated tab being folded under said profiled joint portion or under said glazed element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFolding: Folding

Data Source

PatentEP3063028B1Glass panel having a structural gasket and a trim element, trim element and method for manufacturing the glass panel
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 SAINT GOBAIN VITRAGE SA
  • EP3063028B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3063028B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3063028B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The present invention relates to a glass panel (1) including a glass element (2), at least one structural gasket portion (3), at least one trim element (4) having an elongate shape and a base (40) and at least one flange (41), said base being located above an outer surface (32) of said structural gasket portion (3), characterised in that a flange (41) comprises, at one end opposite said base (40), at least one perforated tab (45), said perforated tab (45) passing through said structural gasket portion (3) via a hole (30) opening onto said outer surface (32) and onto an inner surface (33) of said structural gasket portion (3), said perforated tab (45) being folded under said structural gasket portion (3) or under said glass element (2).